One of the most important accessories in photography is definitely a tripod. Much has been done to improve the quality of tripods and to introduce new models into the market. But one of the most intriguing tripods I have seen is the Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod which is part of a number of Joby Gorillapods line.  Joby Gorillapods were originally designed to be used with small digital cameras but as the improvements went on, now there are models that can be used even with big zoom cameras which weigh much more than the small digital cameras.

Joby Gorillapods SLR Tripod is unique in that it has flexible legs that can be ‘wrapped’ or ‘coiled’ around fitting items or surfaces. They are good for convenience where a tripod seems hard to use but should not be a substitute for a convectional tripod. Here is a brief review of Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod.

Design and Use

Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod is a mini tripod whose legs are flexible for wrap around. The legs are made of several balls joined together and wrapped in rubber like material to hold them together and for enhancing grip. The legs are rigid enough to hold on to the surfaces but at the same time flexible enough to be manipulated to take the shape you want. Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod is meant for regular SLR or DSLR but not for the bigger cameras that use long zoom lenses. For that you will need another type of Gorillapod.

Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod is fitted with a lockable head which is also strong enough to hold the weight of an SLR or DSLR. In some models, you can purchase the head separately to fit your needs. The surface of the legs is made of stainless steel but fitted with a rubber ring which greatly improves the grip to make sure the Gorillapod does not slip while in use. The last part of the legs is also rubberized for a stronger grip.

Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod is not for height but convenience. It is not stretchable like the traditional tripods but has a fixed height. It measures around a foot standing but with its wrap-around legs, it does the work it is intended to. You can use Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod to click you own photos in self timer by attaching it on the staircase rails or even on a tree branch! You can use it to take photos which were impossible due to orientation or positioning of the camera. All you have to do is wrap it around an object and align the camera to fit your angle. Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod is also very useful for outdoor photography as it can be used to keep the camera steady at very low levels where a photographer could not have managed.

The best part of this tripod is that it is very light in weight and small in size making it easy for one to carry it along without being bulky. It is easy to use and quick to assemble unlike the traditional tripod that takes time to assemble and align the camera.

Final word

Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod is a tripod that is useful for professional photographers as well as amateurs. It’s not a regular tripod and should not be used as replacement for the traditional tripod but it is good in eliminating camera shakes if the camera was handled due to inconvenience of the normal tripod. There are photographers who find it very useful while others find it as a luxury rather than an important asset. In the end, it will depend on you but without doubt, Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod will be useful and will improve the way we take photos. This tripod is available in India in leading photography shops but it can also be bought on the online stores like http://www.smartshoppers.in and http://photosystemsindia.com/. These tripods range from Rs. 1,400 to around Rs. 3,500.

Photo by Nathan Gitonga